Professional Career
Following his graduation from Benedict College, Bruton was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the second round of the 1994 NBA Draft. The 49th pick overall, he played two seasons before a thigh injury ended his NBA career. Shortly after, he traveled overseas to play in Nagoya, Japan where he played for two years before returning to the United States and playing in the semi-professional Continental Basketball Association. Three years later, he would return overseas, playing in France and Cyprus.
Bruton returned to his hometown after his tours in Europe. He joined the National Basketball Development League in Greenville, South Carolina, playing under Milton Barnes. Barnes was also serving as a coach for the Globetrotters, and arranged a meeting between Bruton and other Globetrotters' staff after observing his play. An agreement was reached shortly thereafter, and Bruton played his first game with the Globetrotters in December 2001 where his unique jumping abilities made him an early crowd favorite.
During a tour of the Bahamas, Bruton and several other Globetrotters attempted to break the world record for highest slam dunk. While eyewitnesses allege that he successfully completed a dunk at 12'1", thus breaking the record, on-site judges declared it an illegal dunk.
Read more about this topic: Kris Bruton
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